The use of plants for healing purposes goes back centuries and forms the origin of much of modern medicine. While natural remedies have always widely been in use, their popularity is increasing as people seek safer, more gentle alternatives to pharmaceutical medications.

Hormones can be balanced naturally with herbal tinctures.

Hormone balance is a common health concern, and like many other issues, it often can be managed naturally. One way to use herbal remedies to do this is via tinctures. A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extract made from herbs that are taken orally. Tinctures are typically made by soaking herbs in alcohol for several weeks to extract the active components (phytochemicals) of the plants. Fresh or dried leaves, roots, bark, flowers, and berries may be used to make tinctures. They can be made from a single plant or a combination of plants. After a few weeks, the herbal mixture is strained and the herb parts are removed, leaving behind the concentrated liquid. Alcohol is used because it is an excellent food-grade solvent and can extract herbal constituents (such as resins and alkaloids) that are poorly soluble in water. Another benefit of using alcohol as a solvent is that it is an excellent preservative that retains the freshness and potency of medicinal plants and greatly increases the shelf life of the tincture.

Here are four herbal tinctures that can be used to help balance hormones for men and women.

Also known as hypericum, Klamath weed, and goatweed, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant with yellow flowers whose medicinal uses were first recorded in ancient Greece. The flowering tops of St. John’s wort are used to prepare teas, tablets, and capsules containing concentrated extracts. It is important to understand that St. John’s wort interacts with many medications, which can make those medications less effective.

St. John’s Wort is a neurotransmitter modulator that increases serotonin levels in the brain through a process called natural reuptake inhibition. Boost mood, promote a positive mood balance, improve day-to-day outlook, and increase daytime energy levels with this tincture.

Saw Palmetto is derived from the fruit of the Serenoa repens plant, which is native to the southeastern United States. The berries of the plant are commonly used in supplements to improve prostate health, balance hormone levels, and prevent hair loss in men. Saw Palmetto is also associated with other benefits, including decreased inflammation and improved urinary function.

Black Cohosh is an herb that is native to North America and has a long history of use. Native Americans used it to treat musculoskeletal pain, fever, cough, pneumonia, slow labor, and menstrual irregularities. European settlers used black cohosh to support women’s reproductive health.

Today, black cohosh is one of the most popular natural remedies for menopause. It is most commonly used for symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats (together known as vasomotor symptoms), vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, tinnitus, vertigo, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and irritability.

Generally considered to be safe according to research, Black Cohosh goes well with St. John’s Wort (while they are not synergistic, both together have shown added efficacy in managing vasomotor symptoms of menopause).

Astragalus is an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine that has been researched for its cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and longevity effects.

Licorice is the root of a plant called Glycyrrhiza glabra. It has a long history of use for medicinal purposes and is an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Licorice can stimulate the adrenal gland, which promotes healthy cortisol (a stress hormone) levels. It has estrogen-like effects and has been found to reduce the frequency and duration of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. Licorice may also be useful in relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Wild Yam Root contains a chemical called diosgenin, which can influence the production of several useful hormones, including estrogen. Consuming wild yam may be a natural way of promoting these hormones in the body, which could have certain medical benefits. Wild yams contain compounds that are believed to be particularly advantageous for menopause and premenstrual syndrome. The outer bark of wild yam root is high in a compound called saponin, which research shows may help lessen inflammation. Saponins can help relax and otherwise treat a number of conditions involving the abdominal and pelvic muscles, as well as arthritic and rheumatic conditions.

Damiana, also known as “hierba de la pastora,” is an herb that belongs to the Turneraceae plant family and is native to Mexico and the southern US. It has a long history of use as a sexual stimulant and aphrodisiac and also is commonly used for menstrual disorders. In addition, Damiana can also help relieve stress, anxiety, and mild depression.

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any disease or ailment. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the creation or use of herbal tinctures. A person should speak to their doctor before using a tincture or any other herbal supplement, especially if they take medications.

1 Comment

Alex
on May 11, 2019 at 9:22 am

What many don’t consider is the fact that cut and sifted herbs taken orally in a capsule have a minimal effect. It takes a large number of them to begin to do anything. The problem with cut and sifted herbs is that they still have their natural cellulose covering and our digestive system is not very good at digesting plant cellulose. The best way to take the herbs is in a boiled tea. When herbs are boiled the cellulose covering is broken and its contents are laid bare in the water. Creating a tincture does much the same thing.